Resistive Training Device and Method of Using the Device

ABSTRACT

A resistive training device and method of using the device includes a glove operable for sports training, where the glove comprises padding for mitigating injuries during striking of objects, and a slit for providing access to an interior portion of the glove. A ring, joinable to the glove to protrude through the slit, joins to resistance training devices to impart a resistive force to movements of the glove. A patch removably joins the ring to the glove. The patch includes a first fabric for encircling a portion of the ring. A second fabric has a substantially rounded shape, where the first fabric is joined to the second fabric proximate a center of a top surface of the second fabric. A joining means is disposed on the top surface for removeably joining to the interior portion, thereby enabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive and non-resistive training exercises.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of theU.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/352,508 and entitled“Martial Arts and General Conditioning Training Device”, filed on 8 Jun.2010 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisionalapplication are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office,patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a resistance training device andmethod for use for such device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to boxing and martial arts. Thepunching motion used in boxing and martial arts helps to develop andstrengthen muscles in the arms shoulders, torso, and legs. Addingresistance when punching can increase this muscle development andstrengthening. Adding resistance when punching also helps to increasepunching speed and power. Currently, to provide resistance whenpunching, persons may punch with dumbbells or punch with resistancebands.

Punching with dumbbells resists gravity and inertia and, therefore,develops muscles improperly for punching. Punching works the anteriorhead of the deltoid through a horizontal plane of motion and the tricepsbrachii in the same plane of motion as well as in the sagital plane.Other muscles such as the pectoralis major, the serratis anterior,obliques, and muscles of the leg and hip also become very involved inpunching through a rotational plane of motion. However, when punchingwith dumbbells, the anterior deltoid is only resisting gravity, thetriceps are completely uninvolved, and the rest of the previouslymentioned muscles are used very little if at all, and those muscles thatare used are resisting in the wrong plane of motion. In addition, theupper trapizius muscle is heavily pulled into action as the arm isextended, which is resisting gravity, when punching with dumbbells. Theupper trapizius muscle has little if any function in punching withoutdumbbells.

Punching with resistance bands is a good way to increase punching speedand power. Punching with bands uses all of the same muscles used duringnormal punching and uses these muscles in the exact same way in whichthey are used during normal punching. This follows the SAID (SpecificAdaptation to Imposed Demand) principal of exercise and sports training,which declares that to improve in a particular activity one shouldpractice that very activity so the body can adapt to the specificdemands of the activity. However, there are problems that arise whenpunching with resistance bands including the following. Some bands aretoo long and limit users to staying in one spot, as they must beattached to a fixed object. Also, when using resistance bands, usersmust hold the band handles, which makes it practically impossible forusers to wear gloves. This prevents users from striking punch mitts orpunching bags and also prevents users from holding a proper fist.Furthermore, users practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) are not able touse their hands for actions such as wrestling shots and clinch work whenholding resistance band handles. It is therefore an objective of thepresent invention to provide means for punching with resistance thatworks the same muscles as punching without resistance and enables usersto move, wear gloves and use their hands.

Currently, there are gloves available that include hooks for theattachment of resistance bands that enable a user to use his hands andmake a proper fist. However, these gloves provide little protection tothe hands, and users may injure their hands when punching items such aspunch mitts or punching bags. Also, the hooks cannot be removed from thegloves. This makes these gloves difficult to use when punching withoutresistance.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques forproviding means for punching with resistance bands that enable users toform proper fists and to use their hands, provides protection to thehands and can also be used without the resistance bands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary MMA glove from aresistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary resistance attachmentfrom a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of use for aresistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are notnecessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, a resistive training device and method ofusing the device is presented.

In one embodiment an apparatus includes means operable for sportstraining and for mitigating injuries during striking of objects, means,joinable to the training means, for joining to resistance trainingdevices to impart a resistive force to movements of the training means,and means for removably joining the joining means to the training means,thereby enabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive andnon-resistive training exercises. Another embodiment further includesmeans for imparting the resistive force.

In another embodiment an apparatus includes a glove operable for sportstraining, where the glove comprises a padding for mitigating injuriesduring striking of objects, and a slit for providing access to aninterior portion of the glove. A ring, joinable to the glove to protrudethrough the slit, joins to resistance training devices to impart aresistive force to movements of the glove. A patch removably joins thering to the glove. The patch includes a first fabric for encircling aportion of the ring. A second fabric has a substantially rounded shape,where the first fabric is joined to the second fabric proximate a centerof a top surface of the second fabric. A joining means is disposed onthe top surface for removeably joining to the interior portion, therebyenabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive andnon-resistive training exercises. Another embodiment further includes aresistance band for imparting the resistive force. In yet anotherembodiment the resistance band is operable to be wrapped about the userto secure the resistance band. In still another embodiment the joiningmeans comprises a hook and loop material. In another embodiment thefirst fabric comprises a nylon type material for wear resistance whenthe ring is rotated. In yet another embodiment the second fabriccomprises a PVC type material for strength and flexibility. In anotherembodiment the ring comprises a D shaped ring. In yet another embodimentthe first fabric encircles strait portion of the D shape. In stillanother embodiment the slit is positioned on a back of the glove suchthat the ring is positionable on a back of a hand of the user. Inanother embodiment the slit is positioned proximate a wrist wrap of theglove enabling the ring to be rotated and concealed under the wristwrap. In yet another embodiment the glove further comprises openfingertips. In still another embodiment the glove is operable for use asa mixed martial arts glove.

In another embodiment a method includes the steps of determining if aresistive force is desired during a training exercise using a glove. Ifthe resistive force is desired, determining if a ring is needed to bejoined to the glove for joining to a resistive training device. If aring is needed, removably joining a patch comprising the ring to aninterior portion of the glove, where the ring protrudes through a slitin the glove from the interior portion. If the resistive force isdesired, removably joining the ring to the resistive training device.Putting on the glove and performing the training exercise. Anotherembodiment further includes the steps of if the resistive force isundesired, determining if the ring is needed to be removed from theglove, and if a ring is needed to be removed, removing the patchcomprising the ring from the glove. In yet another embodiment theresistive training device comprises a resistance band. Still anotherembodiment further includes the step of securing the resistance band bywrapping the resistance band about a body part. In another embodimentthe patch is joined using a hook and loop material. In yet anotherembodiment the glove is operable for mixed martial arts training

Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedand shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to embodimentsthereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modificationswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations andmodifications may involve equivalent and other features which arealready known in the art, and which may be used instead of or inaddition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particularcombinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of thedisclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature orany novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly orimplicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates tothe same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or notit mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does thepresent invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments mayalso be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely,various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of asingle embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitablesub-combination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims maybe formulated to such features and/or combinations of such featuresduring the prosecution of the present Application or of any furtherApplication derived there from.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerationsand compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimalmanufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and inparticular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercialimplementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of thepresent invention may configured according to the needs of theparticular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s),result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachingsrelated to any described embodiment of the present invention may besuitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improvedand/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skillsand known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation thataddresses the needs of the particular application.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions orparticular construction materials indicated herein are solely providedas examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to belimiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particularapplication, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in lightof the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternativeimplementation details.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a martialarts and general conditioning training device designed to increasepunching speed and power and to increase the intensity of workouts usingexternal resistance attached to a mixed martial arts (MMA) glove. Somepreferred embodiments, and at least some variations thereof, provide anattachment to an MMA glove as well as a method for using resistancebands in conjunction with MMA gloves. Some preferred embodiments canalso be used as a general strength and conditioning device by martialartists and the general public. In addition, the gloves in somepreferred embodiments can also be used as regular MMA, grappling, or baggloves.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary MMA glove 101 from aresistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In the present embodiment, resistance is attacheddirectly to MMA glove 101 by a resistance attachment 105. In the presentembodiment, resistance attachment 105 is preferably a steel D-ring sewnonto a patch, via a piece of nylon fabric, as shown by way of example inFIG. 2. However, those skilled in the art, in light of the presentteachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitableattachment means may be used in alternate embodiments including, but notlimited to, D-rings not attached to patches, spring-loaded clips,circular rings, hooks, snaps, buttons, steel wire hooks or loops,elastic or fabric loops around the wrist, fingers or palm, addition ofan “inner glove”, etc. In the present embodiment, the entire patch ofresistance attachment 105 is padded to generally prevent irritation orinjury to the user. The patch of resistance attachment 105 is placedinside glove 101 while the D-ring extends through a hole 110 in the backof glove 101. In alternate embodiments the resistance attachments may beplaced in locations other than the back of the hand such as, but notlimited to the top, bottom or sides of the wrist, on the palm, near thethumb, sides of the hand, etc. Wrist wrap 125 secures glove 101 to theuser's wrist. Typically, wrist wrap 125 is pulled to tighten and securedby, but not limited to, a hook and loop material. When wrist wrap 125 isreleased, it may be partially removed from glove 101 to fully exposeslit or hole 110.

In the present embodiment, resistance attachment 105 enables resistancedevices such as, but not limited to, resistance bands, exercise bands,cables, etc. to be attached to glove 101. Resistance attachment 105 issecured inside glove 101 with hook and loop material that is placed onboth the inside of glove 101 and on resistance attachment 105, thereforemaking resistance attachment 105 removable. This enables glove 101 to beused as a resistance-training tool, as a traditional MMA training gloveor for general conditioning exercises such as, but not limited to, bicepcurls, tricep kickbacks, leg presses, shoulder presses, etc. Thoseskilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readilyrecognize that a multiplicity of suitable means may be used to removablyfasten the resistance attachment to the glove in alternate embodimentssuch as, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, zippers, friction,adhesives, etc. Furthermore, in other alternate embodiments, theresistance attachments may be non-removable. Yet other alternateembodiments may comprise resistance attachments that can be hiddenbeneath padding on the gloves, allowing the gloves to be used forresistance-training when the resistance attachments are exposed and forregular martial arts training or general conditioning when theresistance attachments are hidden. In yet other alternate embodimentsthe gloves may have resistance bands permanently attached.

In the present embodiment, glove 101 is an MMA glove with openfingertips that gives a user complete use of his hand. However, inalternate embodiments different types of gloves may be used such as, butnot limited to, grappling gloves, kickboxing gloves, boxing gloves, baggloves, MMA sparring gloves, etc. In the present embodiment, glove 101comprises padding 115 that enables a user to strike objects such as, butnot limited to, strike bags or punch mitts with less possibility ofinjury to his hand or knuckles. Alternate embodiments of the presentinvention may comprise gloves without padding. The resistance bands orother resistance means in these embodiments may be permanently attachedor may be removably attached using various different types of resistanceattachments such as, but not limited to, D-ring patches, snaps, clips,etc. In the present embodiment, glove 101 protects a user's hand andknuckles while increasing punching speed and power through the use ofresistance. In addition to resistance training, glove 101 can also beused as a bag glove or for regular martial arts training including, butnot limited to, sparring, ground and pound, grappling, jiu jitsu, etc.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an exemplary resistance attachment201 from a resistance training device, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. In the present embodiment, resistanceattachment 201 comprises a steel D-ring 205 sewn into a piece of nylonfabric 207, which is then sewn between two pieces of Hypalon® fabric210, which is similar to PVC. In some preferred embodiments, the nylonfabric provides wear resistance when D-ring 205 is rotated. The Hypalon®fabric 210 provides strength and flexibility. The end result is verysimilar to a D-ring patch, which is typically used in canoeing orkayaking. In alternate embodiments various different types of fabric maybe used instead of nylon and Hypalon® such as, but not limited to,canvas, different types of plastics, leather, etc. In some alternateembodiments, the D-ring may be attached to a metal plate rather thanfabric to create the resistance attachment. In other alternateembodiments, attachment means other than a D-ring may be used on theresistance attachment such as, but not limited to, circular rings, clipsor hooks, and the attachment means may be made of materials other thansteel including, without limitation, different types of metal orplastics.

In the present embodiment resistance attachment 201 is sized and shapedto fit inside an MMA glove; however, alternate embodiments may be sizedand shaped to fit inside various different types of gloves such as, butnot limited to, boxing gloves, kickboxing gloves, grappling gloves, baggloves, etc. However, MMA gloves are preferred as they enable users tohave complete use of their hands. In the present embodiment theunderside of resistance attachment 201 is padded to protect the user'shand; however this padding on resistance attachment 201 may be omitted.Hook and loop material 215 is attached to the top side of resistanceattachment 201. Hook and loop material 215 meshes with hook and loopmaterial inside a glove to securely fasten resistance attachment 201 tothe glove. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings,will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable means may be usedto fasten the resistance attachment to the glove in alternateembodiments such as, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, or adhesivesand in some alternate embodiments, no fastening means may be included.In the present embodiment, the removable nature of resistance attachment201 makes a glove with which it is used multi-functional and can savemoney for a user. Sliding D-ring 205 through a hole in the glove andapplying hook and loop material 215 to hook and loop material on theinside of the glove enables the glove to be used for resistance trainingby attaching a resistance band 220 to D-ring 205. Removing resistanceattachment 201 enables the glove to be used as a regular martial artstraining glove or general conditioning glove. In alternate embodimentsdifferent types of resistance means may be used such as, but not limitedto, resistance bands of any size and or level, cables from any machine,such as Keiser® functional trainer, Free Motion® equipment, Cybex®equipment, Life Fitness® equipment, etc, as well as resistance fromplate loaded machines, etc. Most sized resistance bands may be used withthe present embodiment; however, external resistance over 65 lbs maycause the glove to fail, specifically at or near the hole where D-ring205 is inserted. Improper care for the gloves or resistance band 220 mayresult in cracking and or breaking of the gloves or band 220.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of use for aresistance training device, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In typical use of the present embodiment, thetraining device may be used for sports training or general strength andconditioning. In step 301 a user determines if he would like to useresistance when training or not. If the user wishes to use resistance,he determines if the resistance attachments are in place in the glovesin step 305. If the resistance attachments are not in place, the userinserts and secures the resistance attachments in the gloves in step310, making sure the D-rings of the resistance attachments extendthrough the holes in the backs of the gloves. Once the resistanceattachments are in place, the opposite ends of a resistance band areeach attached to a D-ring of a resistance attachment of a glove in step315. In step 320 the user puts on the training device by wrapping theresistance band around his body and putting on the gloves. The usertypically wears a glove on each hand so that when the resistance band islooped around his back the resistance band becomes taut and providesresistance to the punching arm. The user may then perform the desiredtraining activity in step 325 such as but not limited to, striking a bagor punch mitt, sparring, punching the air (shadowboxing), bicep curls,shoulder presses, etc.

If the user desires to train without resistance in step 301, hedetermines if the resistance attachments are secured in the gloves instep 330. If the resistance attachments are in the gloves, they areremoved from the gloves in step 335, making the gloves useable asregular MMA training gloves, bag gloves or training gloves for otheractivities. Once the resistance attachments are removed from the gloves,the user puts on the gloves in step 340. In step 345 the user mayperform the desired training activity such as, but not limited to,striking a bag or punch mitts, grappling, sparring, etc. Those skilledin the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognizethat any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, orremoved and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs ofthe particular application. For example, without limitation, the usermay put on the gloves and wrap the resistance band around his bodybefore he attaches the resistance band to the resistance attachments.

The user can use the training device in different locations and may evenmove around while using the training device for example, withoutlimitation, to practice sparing with resistance since he is not fixed toa single place while doing resistance training by the need to attach theresistance band to a stationary object. However, the user may wrap theresistance band around or attach the resistance band to a stationaryobject if he so desires or he may use two separate resistance bandsattached to stationary objects with one band attached to each glove. Theuser may also wrap or attach the resistance band around differentportions of his body for example, without limitation, around a leg or afoot or may attach the resistance band to a piece of clothing such as,but not limited to, a belt or a shoe. When the user wraps the resistanceband around his back, the way the resistance band fits encourages theuser to practice better punching form and increases muscle memory forthat form. The fit of the resistance band in the present embodimenthelps keep punches, such as, but not limited to, hooks and uppercuts“tight” to the user so they are not “loopy” and overextending and alsohelps the user keep his elbows tight to his body while punching.Furthermore, the training device creates muscle memory in the user byassisting him in bringing his hands back to his face after each punch.

Using the present embodiment, the user can strike punch mitts orpunching bags with resistance to increase punching speed and power, andthe padding on the gloves protects the user's hands while striking Inaddition, unlike with conventional resistance bands that have handles,the user does not need to hold band handles, allowing the user's handsto be free for use. This allows the user to practice drills other thanpunching such as, but not limited to, resisted wrestling shots andresisted clinch work, as in Muay Thai. In the present embodiment, theresistance band can easily be used for many other exercises while stillallowing the user's hands to be free. For example, without limitation,the user may perform general strength and conditioning exercises suchas, but not limited to, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, squats, shoulderpresses, leg presses, etc. while allowing him to use his hands for otheractions including, without limitation, making a proper fist, holding adumbbell, practicing proper running form, etc. Since the user does notneed to hold a handle or a dumbbell, the present embodiment is good forusers with issues that affect their grip such as, but not limited to,arthritis or injury. Furthermore, the present embodiment is completelypowered by the user and consumes the user's calories. Those skilled inthe art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize thatvarious different types of people may use the present embodimentincluding, without limitation, martial artists of any type, boxers,kickboxers, muay thai practitioners, mixed martial arts fighters,personal trainers, group fitness trainers, martial arts instructors, andanyone who is interested in personal fitness.

In an alternate embodiment, a resistance training device comprises anMMA glove with a resistance attachment on the back of the hand that canbe “hidden” beneath padding in a wrist wrap portion of the glove. Theresistance attachment is preferably a D-ring on a piece of nylon fabricpermanently sewn onto the back of the glove. The resistance attachmentis used to provide resistance in generally the same manner as previouslydescribed; however, if a user desires to use the glove as an MMA glovefor training, he may simply unwrap the wrist wrap and place the D-ringresistance attachment securely in a padded “pouch” located under thewrist wrap. Once the user rewraps the wrist wrap, the resistanceattachment is concealed and the glove is safe for use as an MMA trainingglove. The present embodiment provides the user with many of the samebenefits as provided by the embodiment described in the foregoing. Thepresent embodiment also generally prevents the user from losing theresistance attachment during the transition from resistance training tonon-resisted training and makes this transition quick and easy.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention,other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a resistancetraining device according to the present invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by wayof illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intendedto limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example,the particular implementation of the resistance attachment may varydepending upon the particular type of fastening method used. Thefastening methods described in the foregoing were directed to internallyfastened implementations; however, similar techniques are to fasten theresistance attachment to the outside of the glove. Externally fastenedimplementations of the present invention are contemplated as within thescope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or letteredsolely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numberingand lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken toindicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: means operable for sports training and formitigating injuries during striking of objects; means, joinable to saidtraining means, for joining to resistance training devices to impart aresistive force to movements of said training means; and means forremovably joining said joining means to said training means, therebyenabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistive andnon-resistive training exercises.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim1, further comprising means for imparting said resistive force.
 3. Anapparatus comprising: a glove operable for sports training, where saidglove comprises a padding for mitigating injuries during striking ofobjects, and a slit for providing access to an interior portion of saidglove; a ring, joinable to said glove to protrude through said slit, forjoining to resistance training devices to impart a resistive force tomovements of said glove; and a patch for removably joining said ring tosaid glove, said patch comprising: a first fabric for encircling aportion of said ring; a second fabric comprising a substantially roundedshape, where said first fabric is joined to said second fabric proximatea center of a top surface of said second fabric; and a joining meansdisposed on said top surface for removeably joining to said interiorportion, thereby enabling a user of the apparatus to engage in resistiveand non-resistive training exercises.
 4. The apparatus as recited inclaim 3, further comprising a resistance band for imparting saidresistive force.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein saidresistance band is operable to be wrapped about the user to secure saidresistance band.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein saidjoining means comprises a hook and loop material.
 7. The apparatus asrecited in claim 3, wherein said first fabric comprises a nylon typematerial for wear resistance when said ring is rotated.
 8. The apparatusas recited in claim 3, wherein said second fabric comprises a PVC typematerial for strength and flexibility.
 9. The apparatus as recited inclaim 3, wherein said ring comprises a D shaped ring.
 10. The apparatusas recited in claim 9, wherein said first fabric encircles straitportion of said D shape.
 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 3,wherein said slit is positioned on a back of said glove such that saidring is positionable on a back of a hand of the user.
 12. The apparatusas recited in claim 3, wherein said slit is positioned proximate a wristwrap of said glove enabling said ring to be rotated and concealed undersaid wrist wrap.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein saidglove further comprises open fingertips.
 14. The apparatus as recited inclaim 3, wherein said glove is operable for use as a mixed martial artsglove.
 15. A method comprising the steps of: (a) determining if aresistive force is desired during a training exercise using a glove; (b)if said resistive force is desired, determining if a ring is needed tobe joined to said glove for joining to a resistive training device; (c)if a ring is needed, removably joining a patch comprising said ring toan interior portion of said glove, where said ring protrudes through aslit in said glove from said interior portion; (d) if said resistiveforce is desired, removably joining said ring to said resistive trainingdevice; (e) putting on said glove; and (f) performing said trainingexercise.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising thesteps of: (a) if said resistive force is undesired, determining if saidring is needed to be removed from said glove; and (b) if a ring isneeded to be removed, removing said patch comprising said ring from saidglove.
 17. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein said resistivetraining device comprises a resistance band.
 18. The method as recitedin claim 17, further comprising the step of securing said resistanceband by wrapping said resistance band about a body part.
 19. The methodas recited in claim 15, wherein said patch is joined using a hook andloop material.
 20. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein said gloveis operable for mixed martial arts training.